Prosecuting rap: what does the case law tell us?

Owusu-Bempah, Abenaa ORCID: 0000-0001-6674-0018 (2022) Prosecuting rap: what does the case law tell us? LSE Law, Society and Economy Working Papers, 7/2022. London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

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Abstract

Forthcoming in Popular Music (2022). This article explores the admissibility and use of rap music as evidence in English criminal trials. It presents findings from an analysis of over thirty appeal cases. As well as unpacking the link between rap, race and gangs that is prevalent in these cases, the article challenges the categorisation of rap as ‘bad character evidence’, and critiques the way in which questions of relevance and prejudicial effect have been addressed by the courts. In particular, when making admissibility decisions, the courts appear to give little consideration to the cultural context, artistic conventions or social influences within the rap music genre, or the racialised nature of rap evidence. It is argued that, if rap is to be admissible evidence, a much more rigorous and informed approach is required.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Official URL:	https://www.lse.ac.uk/law/working-paper-series
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Author
Divisions:	Law
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Date Deposited:	17 May 2022 12:42
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2024 19:41
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/115127

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